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The much loved American rock band Incubus, whose return engagement to Manila has been eagerly awaited is performing February 17, 2018, Saturday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The band is known for its rock anthems Wish You Were Here, Megalomaniac, Anna Molly, Drive, Pardon Me, Are You In?, Nice To Know You, among others. The concert is produced by Ovation Productions, the group that also did Incubus’ previous concerts in Manila; the last was in 2015.

In the fall of 2016, the five musicians regrouped to flesh out ideas, recording at Jim Henson Studios and at Einziger’s personal studio. As the vision came into focus during early 2017, Incubus added another level by enlisting the perspective of longtime friend Skrillex [Justin Bieber, A$AP Rocky, Lady Gaga] for co-production and mixing. Einziger had spent the past few years, exponentially expanding his personal musical palette. Not only did he oversee production for The Internet’s Feel Good and produce three songs for Tyler, The Creator’s chart-topping “Cherry Bomb,” but he also co-wrote Avicii’s six-times platinum smash “Wake Me Up” and served as musical director and performer for a much talked-about 2016 GRAMMY® Awards performance of “Where Are Ü Now” by Skrillex, Diplo, and Justin Bieber. After lunch one day, Einziger played Skrillex some mixes, and “a whole new world opened up” as the producer added his magic to 8.

“It evolved organically out of my friendship with Skrillex,” Einziger elaborates. “Incubus is all about friendship. We transferred the synergy of working together into what the band was doing. As we put the final touches on everything, Skrillex brought another level to the album.”

As a result, the eleven tracks comprising 8 assemble a mosaic reflective of the band’s current mindset. Unease translates to unpredictable guitar riffs that blur the lines between time signatures as cosmic rhythmic transmissions orbit around an epicenter of combustible emotion. Each lyric encodes a parable or what might be a hidden message. The first single “Nimble Bastard” leapfrogs from a rattling guitar snap into an anthemic refrain. “Loneliest” echoes with an existential rumination on solitude over an airy beat and hypnotic guitars. “Undefeated” struts along via a bombastic stomp before culminating on an uplifting chant, while the spacey “Familiar Faces” instantly enchants.

The soothing instrumental soundscape of “Make No Sound In The Digital Forest” illuminates their cinematic side with delicate chimes, simmering drums, and warbling tones. A dial-up modem signals the explosion of “Love In A Time of Surveillance” as the one-two punch of “No Fun” and “Throw Out The Map” tap into a tsunami of distortion and punk-y freedom. “Glitterbomb” represents the glorious push-and-pull of 8, teetering between heavenly harmony and a dramatic twinge.

8 arrives at a significant milestone for Incubus—releasing exactly 20 years since their major label debut S.C.I.E.N.C.E. landed back in 1997. A little older, a lot wiser, quite tighter, but equally ready to challenge themselves and rock music at large, Incubus change their perspective once more in 2017.

“All the time, I hear from fans that our music was the backdrop of their first experience with love or important in getting them through a hard time,” says Einziger. “That’s the highest compliment.”

“When we finished 8, we were flooded with this wave of gratitude,” Boyd leaves off. “The fact that so many people are willing to come on this weird ride with us is really humbling. We’re filled with this sense of awe around it. We’re very happy to share this record with everyone, and we hope they like it.”

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One of the rock legends in the local music scene has passed away today. Brian Velasco of Razorback jumps off a building while filming it using his phone's Facebook Live app.
May you rest in peace sir Brian. The music scene will really miss you.

For the past weeks, the band, IV of Spades have been playing around the country without their lead vocals, Unique Salonga. Embracing the full support and love of their fans while waiting for their band member.
But yesterday, May 4, 2018, the band released a statement from their official Facebook page that they had a chance to meet and discuss as a group and its official that their lead singer, Unique Salonga, officially left the band to continue his personal endeavors.
After all what happened, the band said that they will continue to create and share more music, and play more shows in the coming weeks.
IV of Spades is composed of Blaster Silonga on guitars, Badjao De Castro on Drums, Zild Benitez on bass, and now, their former lead vocals and guitars, Unique Salonga.
Here is the band's official statement from their official Facebook page

One of the pillars of Pinoy rock, Razorback just announced that their lead vocalist, Kevin Roy, have parted ways with the band. It was posted on the bands official Facebook page last night, Sunday, June 10, 2018.
Razorback is considered as one of the legends of Philippine Rock music producing 9 albums and gathering different music awards. After almost three (3) decades in the rock scene, the band is still alive and kickin’, playing in different events inside and outside the country.
Despite of their surprising announcement from their social media page, the band stated that they still forge and give the fans the “Rakenrol” that they deserve. They also wish their front man a good luck in his future endeavors. There’s no announcement yet who would replace Roy’s shoe, but the band has been touring with General Luna’s former lead vocalist, Nicole Asensio.
Razorback is composed of Brian Velasco on drums, Tirso Ripoll and Manuel Legarda on guitars, Louie Talan on bass, and now, their former vocalist, Kevin Roy.
Here are some of Razorback’s live performances with Kevin Roy

A few weeks ago, Alternative rock band, Maryzark together with some other local artists and their fans, gathered at Cabin 420 Bar & Bistro for the music video launch of their latest single “Sshhh”. And yesterday, June 25, 2018, the band uploaded it on their official Facebook account.
“Sshhh” is the band’s latest single that was released a few months ago. It is available now on Spotify, iTunes and you can request and vote for it for streaming at Myx Philippines. The music video was directed by Eric JP and Nicole Monta of Nojire Studios. It was recorded at Yellow Room Music Philippines, mixed and mastered by Jam Bumanlag, under Warner Music Philippines. The cast for the music video was from the Philippine School for the Deaf namely Ella and Ghen Vhan.
Maryzark is composed of Ice Gecolea on vocals, Paolo Segura and Niko Bacani on guitars, Axel Vito Cruz on synth, Sean De Leon on bass, and Paulo Mendoza on drums.
Here is Maryzark’s new official music video for their song “Sshhh”

Monday, June 25, 2018 – SkyChurch announced that their drummer, Robert Dela Cruz will be indefinitely out of the band’s roster. There are no further reasons given yet but the band assured that they are open for him to come back whenever he is ready and finished with his personal endeavors. The band also states that they will be stronger and promised that they will release a series of materials as soon as possible.
Here is the band’s official statement from their official Facebook count.

The Chongkeys Signs Under Warner Music Philippines
The Chongkeys is now up for a new game. Yesterday, March 15, 2018, the band officially became a part of Warner Music Philippines’ growing family. Ian Monsod and Joey Valverde, the people behind Warner Music Philippines, officially welcomes Johan Lugtu and Benjie Estanislao as they formally signed their contract. The Chongkeys is composed of Benjie Estanislao, Johan Lugtu, Dennis Baylon, Mark Marquez, along with their percussionists Emil, Andrei, and JR. They are known for their hits like Gabi ng Lagim, Diksyonaryo, and Tignan Mo. Don’t forget to stream their music via Spotify.
By Iel Dazo

From frontman Sud's back tat which means, "From delight we came into existence", we now exist in delight from all the good that's been happening to the band and all our peers in the scene.
A current line-up of 5 members strong with Sud Ballecer on vocals and guitar,Jimbo Cuenco on drums, Kohl Aguilar on keys, Carlos Dela Fuente on sax, Raisa Racelis on bass, SUD is still on a mission for your pleasure, but way better and way more different.
“Sana Bumalik” is a song that talks about the simplest, most basic core of longing for something you’ve lost. May it be a break up, death in the family, friendship, what have you, losing something you never wished to lose is always painful. And the song talks about just that- the dark place we find ourselves in when we’re in state of grief. All the conversations you have with a memory. The pleading for something you know you can never have again. Line per line is vivid display of defeat, irony, indecision, wastage, and desolation all rolled up in one bite-size sushi of a song. But as much as the track is undemanding and elementary, the music behind the straightforward lyrics is just as grand and immense; almost like the perfect musical score to a downcast scene in a film. This is also SUD’s first heartbreak song. A tearjerker of a soundtrack even for the happiest of people.
SUD is OPM’s hottest when it comes to the band scene, so don’t forget to like their official Facebook page for updates on their amazing music. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and catch them in videos by subscribing to their official YouTube channel.
For only the best in international and local music, like and follow Warner Music Philippines’ official Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram. Get exclusive content in videos when you subscribe to Warner Music PH’s official YouTube channel.

EARTH DAY JAM 2018
Interactive Earth Day Jam 2018 returns to Quezon City Memorial Circle Venue
The longest running music event for the environment Earth Day Jam 2018 returns to one of its original concert venues; the Quezon City Memorial Circle on April 28, 2018 starting at 5pm. It is a milestone for this annual live music event which continues to influence Filipinos through music and education to be responsible in caring more for planet Earth’s well-being.
“It is a historic period for Earth Day Jam fans who have followed this annual music event over many summer years for Mother Earth. Quezon Memorial Circle brings back insightful memories about the festival’s roots and itss expanding environmental advocacies,” recalls Earth Day Jam founder singer Lou Bonnevie.
This years adapted theme for Earth Day Jam emphasizes on key elements Water, Air and Trash (WAT). It is a running advocacy that has kept Earth Day Jam grounded with the youth, development organizations and government institutions working on environment welfare and protection.
“Everybody has a key role when it comes to conserving the environment. We can protect Mother Earth through simple things like conserving water, keeping the air we breathe clean and managing an almost zero trash environment,” said Bonnevie.
True to the festival’s defining environmental global theme, Earth Day Jam 2018 seeks to attract even more Filipinos this year, particularly the younger generation, to become sensibly pro-active on its overall campaign to save planet Earth. “It is not enough being able to simply like or post all your support for the Earth on-line. It does not work that way! We want everybody to really start participating, do their personal share through simple things like planting trees and reducing their personal carbon footprints.”
More Jam Sessions:
Known for its epic live pop music (open air) stagings, Earth Day Jam 2018 is set to feature over 100 musicians. “It is a grand combination between new and senior musicians in a single night of great music. It is something you look forward to in every Earth Day Jam event. Moreover, this event remains is open and free to the public,” says Bonnevie.
Featured artists for Earth Day Jam 2018 include Abra, Barbie Almalbis, Chicosi, Grace Note, Joey Ayala, Lou Bonnevie, Mayonnaise, Philia, Rouge, Sandwich, Sud, Tanya Markova, the Chongkeys and Wally Gonzalez joined by Wolfgang guitarist Manuel Legarda and introducing ace guitar protégé Gabriel Lazaro. Special guest artists shall include LA “grassroot” rapper Aw Day P. “He (AW Day P) will be specially flying in from LA for Earth Day Jam 2018. He is a very talented musician who agreed to jam with us for this Mother Earth celebration,” said Bonnevie. The Jam will be hosted by award winning actor Alvin Anson, award winning indie film actress Phoebe Walker, TV personality Pam Nieva and the Earthday Jam Foundation’s Corporate Secretary and youth spokesperson Midi Gentica.
Recognizing contributions to various environmental campaigns and artist’s musical legacy, Earth Day Jam 2018 will extend a special citation to Filipino singer and known environmentalist Joey Ayala, who does a rare Earth Day Jam stint with junior musicians.
Special guest resource speakers include experts and official from DENR, Earthday Jam Foundations’ partner in this endeavor with environmental luminaries supporting the event by short discussions on the most critical environmental issues.
More Interactive campaign:
With support from the Local Government of QC, this year’s Earth Day Jam will have a more interactive campaign. Early participants can avail of Earth Day Jam 2018’s interactive booths showcasing art and drum sessions, an environmental puppet show, electric vehicle display, biking demo, organic stalls and other interesting exhibitions. “These exhibiting booths engage people to learn about Mother Earth through actual social participation with other guests.” There will also be a film showing featuring environmental documentaries before the concert.
The Earthday Jam Recyclable Trading will take place starting at 3 pm with the Quezon City Government spearheading the campaign on recycling with participants who will be bringing in paper, pet bottles and aluminum cans receiving concert VIP pass and freebies.
Anti-trash Experiment:
A special waste garbage collection activity will be implemented throughout the concert. “It is an experimental activity wherein concert goers are encouraged to collect accumulated garbage during event and weigh them after so that they can see how much trash can be accumulated from throwing garbage,” said Bonnevie. Earth Day Jam regularly uses this anti-garbage exercise for actual public awareness.
GAIA Awards:
The Foundation’s own “GAIA Awards” will be bestowing individuals and organizations who have successfully contributed to the welfare of the overall environmental campaign and advocacy efforts in the Philippines. This year’s awardees include green advocates Gina Lopez, Ipat Luna and the Environmental Science Institute of Miriam College along with Earthday Jam supporters Abra and Brownman Revival in the category of Earth friendly music artists. Special Citations will be given to the Peace and Equity Foundation and Lifebank Foundation.
Pre-Concert Contest:
Raising awareness before actual concert, Earth Day Jam 2018 shall also launch “Future Green”. This special on-line initiative engages Filipinos to submit their best ideas concerning renewable energy on Earth Day Jam’s official social media page. The top ten ingenuities will be announced during the event.
Earthday Jam 2018 is presented by the Earthday Jam Foundation in cooperation with the DENR and the Quezon City Government. Supporters include First Gen Corporation, Maynilad, PRRC, Tagbalay Foundation, peace and Equity Foundation, Lifebank Foundation. Also supporting are Ministop, Dickies, 888 Electric Vehicles, Cravings, Philippine Star, Business Mirror, Philippine Concerts, Manila Concert Scene, Rakista Radio and ABS CBN as our official network.
For more info,log on to www.earthdayjamfoundation.com and like the earthday jam foundation page.